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Nellie Geraghty was found with the strap of the bag still in her hand

A 79-year-old woman found unconscious in a Greater Manchester alleyway after an apparent mugging has died.

Nellie Geraghty was discovered with serious head injuries in Shaw at midday on Thursday, on a path at the junction of Kershaw Street and Victoria Street.

A handbag believed to contain her late husband's ashes was missing. Police think she may have put up a struggle to stop it from being snatched.

Two boys, 14 and 17, have been arrested on suspicion of robbery, police said.

Mrs Geraghty, who was found with the strap of the bag still in her hand, was taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital.

She died at about midnight.

Speaking earlier on Friday, Supt Catherine Hankinson said: "We don't know for sure, but the fact [the bag] contained such an important item suggests she may have put up a fight to keep hold of it, resulting in her being assaulted."